The hype
The property is gorgeous with an incredible pool and spacious rooms, but the beach leaves a lot to be desired.
JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
$399-$854/ night
Book this if You want a brand-new, quiet luxury resort on the Dutch side with a massive infinity pool and spacious ocean-view rooms, and don't mind being a bit removed from the main nightlife.
Why People Love It
- Massive infinity pool with a swim-up bar
- Spacious, newly renovated rooms with ocean views and private balconies
- Excellent on-site dining at Carambola and Liguria
Quick Take: It's a beautiful Westin-to-JW conversion with great pools, but the beach is small, prone to seaweed, and the hotel is still working out some new-property service kinks.
Reviewed by @wavesofpri: My stay at the JW Marriott St. Maarten was an absolute dream. Waking up to the ocean breeze on my balcony and soaking in that massive tub felt so luxurious. The food was incredible, especially dining by the water at sunset. Highly recommend for a romantic escape!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'beach resort' part of the name is a stretch—Dawn Beach is small, the water can be rough, and seaweed often ruins the swimming experience.
- You plan to spend most of your time lounging by a massive infinity pool
- You appreciate large, modern rooms with high-end finishes and plunge pools
- You want a quiet, secluded vibe away from the cruise ship crowds
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough and up to Marriott's 'Commitment to Clean' standards, though a few early reviews noted missed spots during the soft opening phase.
- Bathroom hygiene: Brand new, spacious, and sparkling clean with deep soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads.
- Maintenance: The property underwent a massive renovation in 2024. Rooms are pristine, but some common areas and exterior spots are still being polished.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality JW Marriott standard bedding and plush towels.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and airy, though the lobby has a distinct, moody ambiance. No widespread complaints of mustiness.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional hallway echo from other guests
- Live steelpan music by the pool during the day (though it ends early)
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a mandatory $50 per night resort fee
- The hotel is completely cashless
- The location is steep and isolated; renting a car is highly recommended for exploring
What to pack
- Water shoes for the rocky parts of Dawn Beach
- Mosquito repellent for the evenings on your balcony
- A rental car reservation if you plan to leave the resort
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Guestrooms with private plunge pools on the terrace for ultimate luxury
- Ocean View rooms on higher floors (like 3003) for unobstructed views of St. Barts
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms on lower floors near the lobby or pool bar if you want maximum privacy
- Rooms in unfinished or under-renovation wings (though mostly completed now)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm so excited for my upcoming stay. If possible, I would love to request a high-floor Ocean View room in a fully completed wing, ideally facing St. Barts for the best sunrise views. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach swimmable?
It depends on the day. Dawn Beach is beautiful but often suffers from heavy sargassum seaweed and rough surf. The pool is the safer bet.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect a mandatory $50 per night resort fee added to your bill.
Can I walk to restaurants and shops?
Not really. The resort is isolated in Oyster Pond. You'll need a taxi or rental car to get to Philipsburg or Grand Case.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
Yes, children are welcome and there is a kids' club, but the overall vibe leans more toward couples and adults.
Does the hotel have a casino?
No. The previous Westin had a casino, but it was removed during the JW Marriott conversion to create a more tranquil lobby and bar area.
How far is it from the airport?
It's about a 30-minute drive from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), depending on traffic.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the overpriced hotel taxis and rent a car; parking is free for self-park, and you'll save a fortune exploring the island.
- ✨
Head to the Liquid Pool Bar for a swim-up cocktail—it's the best spot on the property to spend the afternoon.
- ✨
If the seaweed is bad at Dawn Beach, take a short drive to Orient Bay or Grand Case for pristine swimming conditions.
5 things to know before you go
💡The resort is a massive renovation of the old Westin Dawn Beach, and while the rooms are stunning, the exterior still shows some of its past life.
💡The Italian restaurant on-site, Liguria, is surprisingly excellent and rivals some of the standalone spots on the island.
💡You can see the neighboring island of St. Barts clearly from the ocean-facing balconies.
💡The lobby is incredibly dark and moody, which is a stark contrast to the bright Caribbean sun outside.
💡Iguanas frequently roam the pool deck—they're harmless but might surprise you while you're sunbathing.
Local Playbook
Map
See where JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.